This blog began as a description of our life in Al Ain, UAE (United Arab Emirates). Brn worked at the UAE University Libraries Deanship for three years and Bss homeschooled our four children, D, B, P, and O. After returning to the the USA for five years, we are living in Abu Dhabi now.

2016/12/25

2016/06/12

My own theory is that the US has never quite grasped the give-and-take character of world sport. Countries devoted to soccer, cricket and rugby play regular international fixtures; they win some and lose some, and learn to live with that.

2015/10/19

A couple of weeks ago, I was called by one of the companies that provides an essential service to my home. I don't really want to name the specific service, since this story could really be about any of them, but you might be able to guess as I tell my sad story. Anyway, they said that a certain piece of equipment that I was using to access their service is old and needs to be replaced and that they would contact me soon to set up an appointment.

Then yesterday I got a text from them asking me to send an SMS to a four digit number so that this switch out could be scheduled. But, when I try to send this SMS, it doesn't work. I would assume that it doesn't work because said service assumes that everyone who uses their services is using one of the telecommunications companies, but I am using the other.

No problem, I figure, I'll just visit their website and have a chat with them to straighten this all out. Needless to say, 20 minutes of chatting later has done nothing to solve the problem. So I try calling instead, thinking that maybe I might find someone who could help.

Me: Yes, a couple of weeks ago I got a call from you all to replace [equipment]. Then today I got an SMS asking me to reply via SMS to schedule this. But I cannot send the SMS to the requested number.

2014/10/09

A person who saw this story and felt that it was somehow fitting that someone who was parked illegally had this happen to them would be experiencing schadenfreude. Many people think that if you experience schadenfreude, then you should feel shame for feeling that way.

I don't think that there is a word to describe the feeling that it is unfortunate that this happened to one such person and not to all sidewalk parkers.

2013/10/28

Yes, we are back in the UAE. But now we are living in Abu Dhabi. And we have started a new blog. So, if you want to read about our adventures in Abu Dhabi, point your browser here: http://www.returntocamelland.com/

2012/10/11

The article states that this is a "unique practice" to UAE Pro-League clubs. But, I know that the Premier League has this rule too, Rule V.7.2: "during the period of the Temporary Transfer of his contract registration a Player shall not play against the Transferor Club;".

So, obviously this is not unique. But is it limited or widespread? Any experts on {football/soccer} transfer rules?